Always serving the Lord
The article explores the mythological and religious significance of Garuda in Hindu tradition, particularly his role as a servant and vehicle to Lord Vishnu. It details various temple traditions and stories from the Ramayana and Bhagavatam involving Garuda.
Why it matters
It provides cultural context for Hindu iconography and temple practices in India.
Always serving the Lord Garuda is always with Lord Narayana. In Brindavana, wherever Krishna went, Garuda flew above Him, sheltering Him from the sun. In his Stotra Ratna, Alavandar enumerates the ways in which Garuda serves the Lord, said Thenthirupperai Aravindalochanan in a discourse. Alavandar points out that Garuda is the Lord’s servant, His friend, His vehicle, His seat, His flag, His canopy and His fan. Alavandar further says that Garuda is the embodiment of the Vedas. In all Vishnu temples, we find a shrine for Garuda, where Garuda faces the Lord. When the Lord looks at Garuda, who is the Vedas personified, He is reminded of the fact that the Vedas sing His praises. During the war against Ravana, Indrajit used the naga pasa to bind Rama and Lakshmana.
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